A mission support diver on the job

Life in the Keys is always interesting, but this mission coupled with a Category 2 hurricane has made this job a lot more interesting!

I decided to take a few minutes this afternoon to write this journal entry. Since things have now basically settled into a routine, I can give the folks back home a look into my workday.

I love this port because there is no commute! Fifty feet and I am there! My morning duties vary, but I am a "mission support diver." I transfer personal items in a dry box to the Carpenter Station and also escort our guests to and from the Station. I also deliver meals. I carry a marine radio to monitor our activities while I am on land. A few times I have been called upon to dive before my first cup of coffee. I can do without those mornings! Additionally, I assist our visiting diving guest with equipment and ensure everyone enjoys their visit. Every day has been different, and I have had an opportunity to meet some extremely interesting people. I feel honored to have assisted with the Challenge Project. Our day generally ends around 5:30 PM. Then it is clean-up time, change our clothes and hunt down dinner. By the end of my shift, I am usually ready to eat dinner.

It has been decided that the mission will end on Thursday, extending it by one day. I still am amazed at the terrible damage around us from the hurricane. I am further amazed that this team was forced to evacuate, lost 3 days, but came back to business as usual so rapidly and didn't miss a beat!